Protecting a smaller stack on the bubble

[Rolen]

This is a strategy that I have often thought could be used effectively, but I have never really seen it being done. If you are down to 4 and have a very healthy portion of the chips (at least half) and the rest are fairly evenly distributed then it is probably in your best interests that the game stays 4 handed, after all, it's much easier to bully people when 4th place is looming large. I figure that putting less pressure on the smallest stack and helping them survive (maybe betting with nothing at a tiny side pot once the smallest stack and another smallish one are all in with you) could be an effective tool.

Thoughts?